Michael B. Jordan to Star in MGM’s ‘Thomas Crown Affair’ Remake

Michael B. Jordan to Star in MGM's 'Thomas Crown Affair' Remake

The charismatic star of “Creed” and “Fruitvale Station” is the keystone of the project, which has no writer or director attached at this juncture, according to The Hollywood Reporter. As he should be: an inspired choice, Jordan offers the chance to create a fresh, modern version of the dapper thief — more McQueen than Brosnan, and, at 29, much younger than either actor to assume the role before him.

In both prior versions of “The Thomas Crown Affair,” directed by Norman Jewison and John McTiernan, respectively, the wealthy businessman dabbles in grand larceny just for the thrill of it, and falls in with the canny insurance adjuster — Faye Dunaway in the original, Russo in the 1999 remake — on his tail. (McQueen’s character robbed banks, Brosnan’s stole art.)

Coming off the success of “Creed,” MGM’s selection of Jordan is a canny one. He promises to draw in younger viewers, many of whom are likely to be familiar with the Brosnan version from its frequent cable airings, to see how Jordan dons those natty, form-fitting suits. Plus, the sturdy plot can play as an actioner for those interested in the cat-and-mouse game, and as a steamy romance for those who want sex appeal — which Jordan has in spades.

The crux of both the original “Thomas Crown Affair” and the 1999 remake, however, is the worthy adversary, and Dunaway and Russo were central to the films’ charged atmospheres. Crown’s counterpart has to be smart, stylish, and (when she wants to be) seductive. May we suggest “Chi-Raq” standout Teyonah Parris?